Home Instead - Encino, CA

Pros

• The reviewers describe the Home Instead team as dedicated, reliable, and responsive to clients' needs.
• The caregivers are kind, caring, and professional, with consistently prompt communication.
• Home Instead is described as highly professional, knowledgeable, and competent.
• Paul Daniels is seen as kind, respectful, and adept at matching caregivers to families.
• The administrative side runs smoothly and hassle-free.
• Clients wholeheartedly recommend Home Instead.
• Paul and his team deliver thoughtful, individualized care and have a knack for finding great people.
• Caregivers are willing to help, adaptable, and attentive to safety and scheduling.
• The company is considered trustworthy, five-star, with patient, dedicated staff.

Cons

• They were very disappointed in Cheeta's lack of professionalism.
• They would never recommend someone who values their business and time so little.
• Cheeta did not show up for the hospital meeting and did not call.
• One reviewer described the service as inexperienced.

Review

Across a chorus of grateful voices, the thread that runs through these experiences is clear: Paul Daniels and his Home Instead team are trusted partners in caring for some of the most important people in families' lives. Whether the task involved moving a family across towns, arranging round-the-clock companionship for a loved one, or coordinating the logistics that keep in-home care running smoothly, the overarching message is one of dedication, reliability, and a heartfelt commitment to doing what's best for those in their care.

Several reviewers highlight Paul's personal devotion to his clients and his hands-on approach. One family recalls that Paul "took on the difficult task of relocating my family twice" and has "always been there for us." It isn't just about the services rendered; it's about showing up when it matters, listening carefully, and guiding families through transitions with patience and steadiness. The sentiment is echoed by many: the heart and soul of Home Instead, in their view, is Paul, whose presence and responsiveness make a real difference when people rely on him and his team.

The quality of the caregivers themselves stands out in multiple stories. Reviewers describe the staff as kind, caring, and professional, with communication that is prompt and accessible. Families feel they can reach out to Paul at any time for any reason, and they never doubt that their best interests are the first priority. The sense of trust extends beyond the individuals assigned to care; it encompasses the entire administrative and coordinating process, which many say runs smoothly and reliably, making a potentially stressful situation feel manageable and organized.

Within these narratives, there are especially meaningful examples of careful caregiver matching. In one Parkinson's journey, Paul visited, asked and answered many questions in a kind and respectful manner, and placed a caregiver who fit perfectly with the family's needs. The reviewer notes that the administrative side worked hassle-free, a contrast to experiences with previous agencies. The takeaway is not only the skill of the caregiver but the thoughtful, client-centered process that ensures the right fit from the start.

Care for an elderly loved one is described in intimate, daily terms. One reviewer speaks of caring for a 95-year-old dad, who is treated with kindness, friendliness, and cheer, along with expertise. They commend Paul's "genius for finding great people," a phrase that captures the sense that the team understands how to recruit caregivers who bring both warmth and competence into a home. This gratitude is linked to tangible benefits - improved companionship, better daily routines, and a sense that the family's wishes are respected and prioritized.

Several accounts touch on the practical and administrative advantages of working with Home Instead. Beyond compassionate care, families appreciate that Home Instead covers legal requirements such as Social Security withholding and tax withholding, and that Paul works with families to arrange workable schedules. This combination of practical compliance and flexible scheduling helps reduce the load on families, enabling caregivers to integrate seamlessly into household routines - whether it's adapting to a kitchen setup, relaxing into a familiar daily rhythm, or coordinating transportation and errands.

Safety and accountability emerge as recurring themes as well. Caregivers are described as watchful, attentive, and diligent about reporting anything unusual. The owner's personal involvement is highlighted as a strength: a direct line to Paul fosters confidence that safety practices are prioritized and that concerns are addressed promptly. It is this blend of attentiveness, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving that many families credit with elevating the standard of in-home care they receive.

The human depth of the stories is most evident in the conversations about planning and adapting to changing needs. One reviewer notes that Paul is "very willing to discuss issues and plan for her care," and that the team is ready to adjust the level of care as circumstances evolve. Another expresses gratitude for how the caregivers integrate into the family's daily life - sharing activities, helping with transportation, and staying engaged with grandchildren - while ensuring the elder family member remains comfortable at home. In these narratives, Home Instead isn't just a service; it's a flexible, responsive partner.

Alongside these many affirmations, there are a few less-than-ideal moments that some families have faced, which are also carried forward as lessons. A particular instance involved a missed appointment and a lack of follow-through from the provider's representative, Cheeta, during a hospital transition for a mother. The reviewer describes feeling disappointed in the level of professionalism when a meeting was scheduled but not kept. This serves as a sobering reminder that, while the overall experience with Home Instead is overwhelmingly positive, there can be moments that test trust, and it underscores the importance of consistent follow-through and reliable communication.

Even when one line of feedback includes the word "Inexperienced" as a heading, the surrounding testimony remains overwhelmingly favorable. The reviewer goes on to say they have been very pleased with the service, noting that staff are conscientious, knowledgeable, and sometimes go above and beyond what is required, with a strong endorsement of the care provided. This juxtaposition underscores that perceptions of experience can vary, but the tangible impact of compassionate, capable care - and the willingness to exceed expectations - resonates across the stories.

Taken together, these reviews paint a picture of Home Instead as a company deeply embedded in the daily lives of families they serve. Paul Daniels and his team are seen not merely as service providers but as partners who bring kindness, competence, and continuity to care. They are trusted to support loved ones through transitions, to match caregivers with intimate family needs, and to manage the practicalities that enable care to feel seamless at home. While no organization is perfect, the collective voice here speaks to a genuine commitment to dignified, personalized, and dependable in-home care delivered with warmth and professional integrity.

This part of Winnetka, California offers a convenient and accessible location with various amenities nearby. There are multiple pharmacies within a short distance, making it easy to access medication and healthcare services. There is a good selection of restaurants catering to different tastes, as well as cafes for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and hospitals within a few miles. The area also boasts several parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation options include an airport and bus terminal for easy travel, while theaters provide entertainment options. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of essential services and recreational opportunities in a central location.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.5 miles)
• Vinh Loi Tofu (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant (1.9 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Winnetka Bowl (0.8 miles)
• Porto's Bakery & Cafe (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• UCLA Health Woodland Hills (2.6 miles)
• Evan Bachner Evan J Bachner MD (3.8 miles)
• Center For Orthopaedic Specialists (3.8 miles)
• Liberty Pacific Advanced Imaging | West Hills (3.9 miles)
• Providence Medical Institute West Hills OB-GYN (3.9 miles)
• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (5.8 miles)
• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (6.5 miles)

Parks

• Parthenia Park (2.7 miles)
• Encino Bike Path (3 miles)
• Shadow Ranch Park (3.3 miles)
• Serrania Park (3.3 miles)
• Lake Balboa Park (3.7 miles)
• Top of Topanga Overlook (4.8 miles)
• Chatsworth Park North (5.1 miles)

Transportation

• Van Nuys Airport (VNY) (4.1 miles)
• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Porter Ranch 9 (5.2 miles)
• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (6.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Veterans Administration (5.5 miles)
• Rinaldi Convalescent Hospital (6.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Immanuel Bible Church (6.4 miles)